first AG brew tommorrow

[fraserjaxx]

Ok so I took the plunge and bought a boiler at the weekend and today I have been to both HBS in my area and picked up all the bits I think I will need.I still have a question before I get going in the morning: If I manage to extract 30 litres of wort from my grain,thats what I think I should be aiming for to take into account losses, how much can I safely fill the boiler to? (it says 25 litres on the side, its a ritchie bruheat)
If I go to 25L it looks a bit full to me,frothing bubbling up and stuff.
And if I hold some back to top up when things calm down when do I add it and does it matter if this added wort hasn't been in the boil for the full time.?

[Vossy1]

Good luck with the brew FJ

Is the camera charged

[SteveD]

Make sure you whack in the hops before it comes to the full boil. If you don't it WILL boil over, quite spectacularly. The hops kill the surface tension and reduce the tendency to boil over. Add the wort back as space becomes available - I doubt it would make much difference to final wort quality - besides, you don't have much choice!

[Orkney_Rob]

You can probably see my envious green glow from here!

Would love to give AG a go, but am having to hold off for a while to allow funds to recouperate. Still, gives time for practice with the kits!

Another request for photographs and updates as the process goes on

[fraserjaxx]

I will take some photos and post tommorrow.
Don't mind saying I am a bit nervous about it but you can only read so much before having a go.
Am I right thinking I should give it a stir to try and keep the foaming boil under control, or just stand back and let it happen...whilst taking pictures ....for the insurance!!

[prodigal2]

Have a great day of it, just slow and steady and you will be fine
Don't forget if you get any problems or queries post them here there will more than likly be someone round to help you out

What recipe have you opted for if you don't mind me being bold

[Jimberbob]

Good luck with the brew up FJ.

[fraserjaxx]

Carolines Fine Ale from G.Wheelers home brew book, was the simplest i could find,just pale malt and goldings hops.I thought I should start at the beginning and work my way into it.

[roger the dog]

From my own experience of my first AG brew (which wasn't too long ago) I found it helpful to make a bit of a crib sheet to remind me when I should be doing what (i.e. heating sparge water, fitting hop filter etc.).

Try to make notes of your findings as you go (strike temp. & the resulting mash temp etc.), this will help your subsequent brews go more smoothly.

If you do encounter any problems you only need ask on this forum & someone will soon be along to help.

Above all, enjoy the day & don't panic, you can make a lot of mistakes & still make great beer so don't think you've ruined the batch if you do encounter problems.

Oh and don't forget the piccies !

Have a great first AG brew !

[Wez]

Don't mind saying I am a bit nervous about it but you can only read so much before having a go

Thats exactly how I felt before my 1st AG, you'll be fine, there are no mistakes just opportunities to learn, I've found that AG brewing is very forgiving actually and mistakes can be rectified quickly. As P2 says there will be someone online who will answer your questions quickly if you're really having a 'mare! Once you've done this first one everything you've read will become clearer.

My advice, tea-towels, have plenty of them around, there WILL be wet floors, make sure taps and closed and tap nuts are tight then enjoy it and make sure you have a beer ready to relax with when you've pitched the yeast.

What time are you starting and what are you brewing, my first one took 7hrs in total from getting the kit ready to pitching.

All the best!

PS. PICs, we want PICs (if you have time)

Oh yeah, welcome to the dark side

[fraserjaxx]

Thanks RTG I will make a list of the steps involved so I can follow them as a plan.I pretty much have it in mind but it will be sensible to have it to hand and I can then add notes to it to refer to next time.Thanks for your IAG everyone I am starting at about 7am.. as from reading other posts it can take a while and as I am off work I want to start drinking at a reasonable time

[Horden Hillbilly]

fj, above is the type of notes I make on each brew I do, nice & simple. I would hate to do a great beer & not be able to repeat it!

All I can do is repeat what the other good folk have said here, if you have a glitch do not panic, a mash is very forgiving and I am sure you will end up with a brew you can be proud of. A good choice for your first brew btw.

Have you seen my website? Click on the link in my signature, there is a step by step section about ag brewing on there with pics, nice & straightforward.

Good luck with the brew, let us know how you get on.

[AT]

Good luck tomorrow and don't worry it'll go like a dream, like Wez said it's very forgiving, enjoy

[J_P]

Carolines Fine Ale from G.Wheelers home brew book, was the simplest i could find,just pale malt and goldings hops.I thought I should start at the beginning and work my way into it.

I made something very similar on Saturday it smells lovely. I can't really add much to what the chaps have said already other than make sure you enjoy yourself stay relaxed and have fun , aside from the satisfaction of producing 25litres of quality beer for less than a tenner, having fun is a big part of my brewday (hailstorms and destroyed brewtents not withstanding )

Keep us posted and have a good one

[Wez]

(hailstorms and destroyed brewtents not withstanding)

There are severe weather warnings for tomorrow!